Thursday, March 29, 2007

The Selection

I saw this photo on Cyclingnews.com and I immediately noticed this was a three-horse race. All the players are present: Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM. There are many ways to look at this image and the representation of the different component groups. In the photo, Shimano leads, just like their production numbers or the number of bikes sold in the world equipped with Shimano. Just behind sits Campy, trailing Shimano in sale's numbers and company size. And the truly impressive aspect of this image is that in its first year of PRO sponsorship, SRAM is hot on the heels of the two giants. I remember a time not long ago when everyone in the industry doubted whether it was possible for a small company to challenge the Shimano. I guess there were a few dedicated individuals who felt differently.

4 comments:

It's pretty clear if you know what to look for. Shimano's large and silver 10-speed levers are obvious.

More difficult to differentiate are the Campy and SRAM levers. They're both black (carbon). The most differentiable feature of the SRAM levers is how much they flare out to the side, towards the riders fingers.

I confess, I was aware the SD was sponsored by SRAM and that was how I could ID the SRAM so far out. Thank you for taking the time to read and Eric, you are correct, the DA levers are always easy to spot.

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Belgium Knee Warmers Defined

For many professional cyclists the Spring campaign is the toughest of the season; it means training from October until March in the worst, character-building weather conditions Europe can dish out. This weather and the suffering that is bicycle racing breed characters known as "hardmen".

Select cyclists tackle these conditions in shorts, long sleeve jerseys or short sleeve jerseys with arm warmers, wind vests, and shoe covers. A true hardman opts to forego the knee or leg warmers and instead chooses an embrocation to cover the knees. The liniment provides warmth for the legs and keeps the blood circulating and muscles supple. Embrocation and the sheen created is affectionately known as "Belgium knee warmers". The hardest of cyclists will sport bare legs in the most ruthless of conditions.

Belgium Knee Warmers are indicitive of the many subtleties that make professional cycling so enthralling.

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I spent 20 years of my life working in the bicycle industry, turning wrenches and selling bikes for some of the industry's best shops. I have extensive experience designing and constructing frames in both steel and titanium and have performed thousands of bike fits. I am passionate about bicycles in all forms. The bicycle provides me with physical and mental health and taps me into a social pipeline that allows me to share my passion with others. I ride as often as possible and love the flow of a hard group ride. Check back for musings about all things road cycling and, especially, the Spring Classics. The devil is in the details and I am an expert in the useless minutia that makes up our discipline.